The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-13
Col. Harmon Demonstrates that Civil-Service
Commissioner Edgerton Is the Author of
the Cry Turn the Rascals Out"
A Great Nations Meanness in Dealing
with People to Whom 1t Is Indebted.
Processes Which Bill Must Pass Through Be-
fore Becoming Law Mexican Jealousy of
Brutal Laws and Barbarous Customs.
TURN THE RAsCALs OUT"

Col. John Harmon Thinks the Phrase Orig
mated with Hon. A. p. Edcerton.
Special to the Indianapolis journal.
WASHINGTON, Feb 12-One of the characters
which has figured in the lobby here for over two
score of years is Col John Harmon, who was
Mayor of Detroit when that now iourishing city
was trading point for Indians and the princi-
pal commodity furs. Colonel Harmon is prob
ably as much Indian as American in blood. is
nearly four score of years in age, stands six feet
Two in his shoes. has long, raven-black hair, and
an aye which in brightness and piercing qualities
resembles the eagles During an investigation
in the Forty seventh Congress Colonel Harmon
was witness, and the question under inquiry
related to expenditures by local corporation
for influence in Congress to procure desirable
legislation and prevent that which was not de-
sired. The witness stated that he had long been
retained in this work, but refused to say what
his salary was. It was probably the first in
stance on record where lobbyist acknowledged
his business under oath. Colonel Harmon said
afterward that he did not so much object to
stating what his remuneration for work in
contact with legislators, as it was respectfully
large, but he did object to the principle of Con-
gressional committees inquiring into mans
private affairs So much for one who has at
tracted much interest in Washington and who
| is regarded as landmark in the corridors of the
Capitol
Colonel Harmon the other day met Mr. Ed
gerton, president of the Civil-service Commission
and the two began to recite "reminiscences of the
| thirties and forties.
do you remember" said Colonel Harmon
| what you said to me when we were passing
| Harper's Ferry, on our return from the Balti
more convention, which nominated Polk iol
President. in 44l"
| Mr. Edgerton studied a moment, and replied
| that he could not recall the observation.
'Your memory is very defective, continued
the Colonel ''The man who cannot brush ny
his memory to the incidents of that time is be
| hind hand for civil-seryice commissioner
| Why. you remarked to me AS we were going ovel
| the ferry that you sincerely hoped we would
| make Polk President, for would turn thu
| rascals ont with him in the White House
| That has been moro than forty years ago. 1
| seems to me but yesterday. ! believe that you
| Mr. Eegerton, originated this trite expression
| To this moment however, the rascals have no
been turned out. Do you remember now wha
| You said2"
| Mr.. Edgerton. who is one of the brightest Ole
| gentlemen in Washington, hung his head ant
looked hard on the thing under his feet, ther
| replied:
II do remember that observation of mine, ani
| l agree with you that the rascals are yet behind
| the Notifications We were then engaged try
| ing to turn them out and I expect when W.
laudable work, with quite as little show as Il
| results as at present"